Ed Sheeran Sued for Allegedly Ripping Off Marvin Gaye

The family of Ed Townsend has filed suit against Ed Sheeran claiming his hit “Thinking Out Loud” cribs Marvin Gaye’s classic “Let’s Get It On.” Townsend, Gaye’s co-writer, passed away in 2003 but his estate reportedly claims Sheeran ripped off the melody, harmony, and rhythm of Gaye’s signature song.

This isn’t the first major claim brought by an estate close to Marvin Gaye’s catalogue. Last year, Gaye’s own family won a $7 million settlement when they sued “Blurred Lines” writers (Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams) over the song’s similarities to “Got to Give it Up,” reportedBillboard.

“Let’s Get it On” was released in 1973—Gaye and Townsend are the two credited writers on the track. As the legal action moves forward it remains unclear whether the Gaye estate would be entitled to any damages awarded from the suit.

Listen to the two songs below. Does Sheeran’s tune bite Gaye’s classic?